A basic and accessible equipment
Snorkeling is an activity that appeared in the 1940s, and its simplicity has allowed its strong development. The verb "snorkel" means to dive with a mask and a snorkel. Unlike scuba diving - which requires training and expensive equipment - here the equipment is reduced to a minimum. All you need is a mask, a snorkel and a pair of fins to increase your swimming power tenfold and discover the ocean floor. Easy to implement - as long as you know how to swim - it also allows you to exercise physically while spending a good time with your family.
Every good sailor should always have a mask and snorkel on board for safety. If you catch a piece in the propeller or need to check your anchor, it is an essential piece of equipment for diving underwater.
On the surface or underwater
You can practice snorkeling on the surface and/or by diving for short periods. In the latter case, your snorkel will fill with water, so be careful to hold your breath. Simply expel the water back to the surface by blowing calmly. However, not all masks allow you to dive under the surface of the water, such as the Easybreath from Decathlon, which does not allow you to decompress (pinch your nose as in an airplane to regulate the pressure between your inner ear and the water).
Protect your body from the cold and the sun
In addition to your diving equipment, you may need appropriate clothing depending on the water temperature, the outside temperature and the duration of your session. The body cools down much faster in the water than outside. Therefore, do not hesitate to equip yourself with a full neoprene suit or shorty or a neoprene top. In case you stay only on the surface, think about the UV rays, even more powerful with the reflection of the water. Choose an anti-UV t-shirt which will protect you more effectively than a sun cream.
Some advice before leaving
- Avoid going alone or take a GPS watch to signal your position to those around you
- Plan your route to avoid being too far from your starting point or from your boat if you are at anchor
- Study the charts
- Check the weather and choose a calm and clear water
- Be in good physical condition
- Beware of fatigue, do not overestimate your abilities
- Beware of the cold, at the slightest sign, shorten your dive
- For children, you can help them with a buoyancy aid
After the dive, maintain your equipment
Remember to rinse your equipment with clean water, even if it means soaking it in a basin to remove any salt or sand residue. Dry it away from the sun.
